Located 25 km northwest of Chengdu City, the 1,419-square-km Pengzhou City administers 20 towns, involving a population of 780,000. Established 2,000 years ago, Pengzhou is rich in ancient relics, mainly craft-ware made of gold and silver.

The city, with the highest elevation rising as high as 4,812 meters, and the lowest 489 meters, features beautiful mountains in the north, and a wide expanse of flat land in the south. The special landform and its mild and humid climate contribute to the abundant resources in terms of mines, forests, herbs and waters, as well as tourist resorts.

Natural Resources

The area boasts some 20 varieties of mineral resources, including coal, limestone, copper, gold and natural gas. Ninety rivers run through the city, originating from the Tuojiang and Minjiang rivers, tributaries in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in Sichuan Province. The Qianjiang and Dujiangyan irrigation systems have provided the city with huge water resources, enabling Pengzhou to become one of China's five vegetable production bases, and a key production base for grain, lean pork, and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. The area is full of natural scenic spectacles, such as streams, lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls. One can also find flora and fauna such as gingko, metasequoia, and pandas.

Industry

The four pillar industries of the city -- medicine, construction material, foodstuff and chemicals -- have taken initial shape. The city is home to a 6.9 square-km provincial level industrial development zone and the China-Japan Hi-Tech Cooperative Park, with a combined 50-plus businesses in the two complex areas. The city's green industry has attracted investment from the United States, Japan, Australia and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Urban Facilities

The city is equipped with telecommunications, electricity, tap water, drainage facilities, and convenient traffic access to all directions. There are 44 hospitals here, with 1,987 medical personnel. Per-capita disposable personal income hit 6,983 yuan in 2004. The most aged citizen is126 years old, and there are 18 others who are 100 years or more.

Tourist Attraction

Its unique scenic spots and rich ancient culture have made the city an attraction for tourists both at home and abroad. In addition to the well-known peony, which grows in profusion, the city features many summer resorts, sacred spots and geological wonders.

a. Peony

Pengzhou's city flower, peony, here for over 1,000 years, has developed over 260 species. With a planting acreage of more than 20 hectares, the city has become the No. 1 peony planting base in west China. The peony here shares a similar reputation as the red peony in Luoyang, Henan Province.

b. Jiufeng Mountainous Scenery Spot

This spot comprises many peaks and rocks, each with its own wonder. Silvery waterfalls fall from the mountain slopes. When autumn comes, the sea of clouds and golden trees leaves create another kind of temptation.

c. Yinchang Valley

Pengzhou's Yinchang Valley, 500-1,000 meters in depth and 4,000 meters in length, is composed of a unique plank road built along a cliff, and has a waterfall, dark green waters, and virgin forest. Hotels and restaurants are available in the valley, making it the perfect place for a vacation